The following is a statement from David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative for Palmerstown-Fonthill, on speculation around the old skate park warehouse in Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate being used as an IPAS site, as well as the protest that followed.

A protest took place yesterday evening at the site of the old skate park in Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate against the supposed planned use of the warehouse as an IPAS site, though it had been confirmed prior to the protest taking place that this would not be the case.

In a letter to TDs and councillors, the Community Engagement Team of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said the following:

“The Department regularly receives offers to accommodate people seeking international protection from providers around the country. In this respect, we recently received an offer to accommodate people at the above-named address in Cherry Orchard. However, following the appraisal process this offer is no longer under consideration.”

This is a definitive answer that the site will not be used to accommodate IPAS applicants. This was poorly communicated to the communities of Palmerstown and Ballyfermot by the government, supposedly only being received by elected representatives yesterday afternoon. In place of this information, rumours circulated on social media in the week or so leading up to the protest, backed up by sightings of people working on the site and old documents relating to a previous offer for it to be used for the same purpose.

It is reasonable to express concerns around levels of migration, particularly as they pertain to a shortage in the likes of housing and social services. It is also fair to point out that centres for refugees are often put in areas already facing issues with such services, which can create additional strain. The state ought to ensure that the rate of immigration is sustainable both on a national and local basis, and that communities are well informed and involved in any plans that may impact them.

This does not, however, mean that people should row in behind those who wish to inspire violence and division on the basis of race and ethnicity. Division on these bases won’t actually solve the issue of immigration, and won’t solve any of the other issues that Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and their lackeys are responsible for handling so poorly.

Workers’ Party members from Palmerstown were talking to a number of our neighbours on the ground as the protest took place, trying to dispel any misinformation while also listening to their concerns over the potential impact of such a site on the area as well as on immigration more broadly.

I would appeal to our neighbours, who I know to be good working people who care about their community, not to give in to the idea that you must either be for open borders or fall in behind those who wish to further the politics of hate. There has to be room for nuance in this debate, because without it, working people will lose out one way or the other.